Bulls trounce Nets in 3rd-quarter stampede

Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler lead strong run in third to push team over Brooklyn

Associated Press

Associated Press

Published 11:12 pm, Wednesday, December 25, 2013

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Paul Pierce #34 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at the Barclays Center on December 25, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 182410631

Gibson, a Brooklyn native, scored 20 points and Jimmy Butler added 15 to help the Chicago Bulls rout the Nets 95-78 on Wednesday.

"It was stressful," said the 28-year-old, who grew up minutes from Barclays Center. "I did a toy drive and I was tired, but it was great to see my family."

Gibson led a balanced offense with six players in double figures for Chicago, which was buoyed by the return of guards Kirk Hinrich and Butler.

With the Bulls trailing 50-49 early in the third quarter, Butler took over, keying a 21-5 run that gave Chicago control.

Brooklyn couldn't catch up and was serenaded with a chorus of loud boos from the fans.

"They cheer when things are good and they let you know when things aren't going good," Nets coach Jason Kidd said. "They expect good and they expect it 90 percent of the time, but right now we are 90 percent bad and so they have every right to boo and express how they feel."

Deron Williams scored 18 points and Mizra Teletovic added 17 for the Nets, who have lost four straight.

"I'm surprised at this season, how it's played out altogether," Williams said. "It's like a nightmare the way the injuries have been, the things we talk about every day, the lack of effort, the lack of energy."

Rockets 111, Spurs 98:James Harden scored 28 points and Dwight Howard had 15 points and 20 rebounds, leading Houston on Wednesday. Each of Houston's starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season. San Antonio (22-7) still leads the Southwest Division by 31/2 games over Houston. Chandler Parsons and Terrence Jones each scored 21 points for the Rockets (19-11), who shot 52 percent from the field. Jeremy Lin had 13 points, eight assists and just one turnover.